Supermarket giant Asda today triggered a school uniform price war as it unveiled what it claims is the cheapest uniform ever – costing just £4.

The bargain price will be welcome news for parents wanting to save some cash as families across the nation struggle in the current credit crunch climate. The Asda outfit, for children aged from three to 12, goes on sale this weekend, and is a flat price, regardless of age.

Their £4 offering – which includes a polo shirt, skirt or trousers and a sweatshirt, comes just days after high street giant M&S unveiled its lowest price uniform at £6.50.

Asda said that when M&S unveiled its £6.50 uniform last week, this was only for children aged up to six, while a uniform for children aged 12 would be £13.50.

“Asda believes it is time that pricing structures that increase with age should be challenged and parents of older or larger children should not be penalised in this way,” a spokesman for the supermarket said.

The uniform, designed by its brand George’s “back to school” team, includes a polo shirt, sweatshirt – available in assorted colours – and trousers or a skirt.

The spokesman added: “The average family spends more than £320 a year on uniforms for up to 12-year-olds.

“With the flat rate from George, spend on uniforms could be as low as £32 a year – saving a family up to £290 at a time when many are really feeling the pinch of the credit crunch.”

In 2007 the equivalent school uniform was £6.25 and in 2005 it was £10.25, the Asda spokesman said.

The £4 price relates to a uniform of: polo shirt 50p, skirt/trousers £1.75 and sweatshirt £1.75.

Retailers annually compete to offer low prices to parents ahead of the new school year. This year sees a number of high street stores offer three-for-two promotion across all schoolwear for a limited period in a bid to compete with the supermarket chains.